Isa Nacewa is out of contract this season and you'd presume is set to retire again, while Robbie Henshaw is signed through the world cup. Garry Ringrose could well be out of contract this summer after signing a deal in 2016, Tom Daly joins him as a player very likely out of contract this summer. Ringrose presumably is negotiating for a central contract with the IRFU, while Daly's injury makes it hard to predict what will happen with him and Leinster.Noel Reid and Rory O'Loughlin are very unlikely to be out of contract after signing deal last season.

There are many potential centres in the academy at the moment, players who have been primarily centres since leaving school: Conor O'Brien, Jimmy O'Brien and Gavin Mullin. And players who have played multiple positions since leaving school: Jack Kelly, Ciaran Frawley and Tommy O'Brien. Where these players settle is hard to predict at this stage.

In the sub academy Sean O'Brien(Clontarf), Conor's younger brother, looks the most likely player to push for an academy place. Although it looks unlikely given the number of players in the academy at the moment that can play the position. Other players to keep an eye on are James Moriarty(DUFC), Ted O'Donoghue(Terenure) and Myles Carey(St. Marys)